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Texans Pulse
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Houston Roundup: Week One |
The 2017 season got off to a hot start for the Texans -- at least on offense. Led by Matt Ryan, who put up a career-high (and SFL season-high so far) 471 yards and matched a career-high with five touchdowns, Star running back Jonathan Stewart also rushed for 152 yards and a score. In total, Houston put up 658 yards of total offense and 47 points, both of which leads the league. The teams combined 179 rushing yards was good for third in the league this week.
Despite the hot start on offense, the defense started out quite the opposite, giving up 42 points to the New York Jets, former division rival of Houston's new GM. They gave up 482 yards of offense (30th in the league) and 337 passing yards, which was second worst around the SFL this week. This made for an exciting game for viewers with the over 800 combined passing yards and 89 total points, but head coach Jim Johnson and defensive coordinator Smith acknowledge the need for improvement on that side of the ball. In his post game interview, Johnson said: "while at the end of the day what matters is the 'W', we've gotta clean some things up on defense. We gotta get some more pressure on the QB and limit the big plays. But the Jets are a hell of a team, and hats off to them for a great battle today."
And a great battle it was. Houston found themselves playing from behind much of the game, trailing after the second and third quarters. The game started slow for both teams, with Ryan throwing an interception on the opening drive. The Jets responded with a touchdown, after starter Mark Sanchez had to leave the game, but then Ryan led the team to two long scoring drives to take the lead 14-7, with a couple minutes left in the first half. But the defense gave up a score, and on the ensuing drive, things got dark really quickly for the Texans. Matt Ryan injured his elbow and had to head to the locker room early. Rookie DeShone Kizer came in and completed a couple passes, but then threw a pick-6 to end the half.
Matt Ryan and Ryan Mallett traded jabs in the third quarter, with Houston also adding a long field goal, but heading into the fourth, Texans trailed 28-24. Then the barrage of big plays happen -- chaos, I tell you! Adam Thielen had a 64-yard touchdown reception to regain the lead. After forcing a punt, Houston HB Jonathan Stewart extended the lead to 38-28 with a 66-yard touchdown run, but the Jets Todd Gurley immediately responded with a 68-yard touchdown scamper of his own on the first play of the next drive. Up 38-35 with just over five minutes remaining, Matt Ryan and the Texans got the back ball with intent to run some clock. And they did, taking 3:20 off the clock and adding a 46-yard field goal by Sergio Castillo. Up by six, 41-35, the Jets got the ball back with backup QB Ryan Mallett leading the drive. A decent return on the ensuing kickoff brought the ball to the 37-yard line. And after a couple completions and a first down, the Jets had the ball on Houston territory at the 49. After two deflections, Mallett connects with Dezmon Briscoe for a touchdown with 1:11 left in the game. 42-41 Jets.
Houston had their full compliment of timeouts, but their backs against the wall as they began their drive at their own 14 yard line. On first down, Ryan connected with DeAndre Smelter for ten yards and a first down. On the very next play, Thielen had yet another huge play with a 59 yard reception to get into the red zone. At this point, one would expect Houston to try to drain the clock and go for the game-winning field goal. But this game was too exciting for the game to be won on a simple field goal. Two plays later, Ryan connected with tight end Bradie Ewing for his second touchdown of the game from five yards out. Trying to extend the lead to seven, the Texans attempt for two point conversion, but Stewart was dropped in the backfield. 47-42 Texans. 30 seconds remaining.
Castillo makes a costly error and kicks the ball out of bounds in an apparent attempt to squib the kick. So the Jets begin their drive at the 40, and Ryan Mallett having himself a game already. First play of the drive, Briscoe gets passed the defense and Mallett finds him inside the five yard line! But after the booth review, Briscoe was not able to get both feet in bounds. Second down, and 22 seconds remaining. Mallett rolls to his right, and again connects with Briscoe, who again gets beyond all of Houston's defensive backs and is tackled at the 12. BUT! Flag on the play. Offensive holding, and again a fantastic Briscoe catch is nullified. Now second and 20 with 70 yards and 15 seconds to work with, Mallett attempts back-to-back-to-back deep throws, all of which are deflected by the defense. Houston hangs on in a wild game where they really looked like they were trying to hand the game over to the Jets.
Big sigh of relief as Houston escaped with a win. But they will need to correct some things as they take on the defending champion Titans next week on the road.
Injury updates:
-Matt Ryan injured strained his elbow in the second quarter, but was able to return and is "definitely" playing next week.
-DeAndre Smelter injured his elbow in the fourth quarter, but reports are that it's just bursitis, and he will be available next week.
-CB Akasi Owusu-Ansah bruised his shoulder and left early in the fourth quarter and is already ruled out for next week's game.
Players of the game:
Matt Ryan: 15-for-24, 471 yards passing, five touchdowns and an interception.
Adam Thielen: five catches, 245 yards and two touchdowns.
Bradie Ewing: four catches, 152 yards, two touchdowns.
Notable players:
MLB Michael Mauti: 8 tackles, two TFL
DT Ego Ferguson: three tackles, one TFL and one sack
Barkevious Mingo also registered a sack and CB Aaron Williams snagged his first interception of the season. |
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Forum Discussion
(by B_Lindgren on 11/08/2023)
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Replies - 0 :: Views - 15 |
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Texans Projected Starting Lineup |
As training camp and preseason quickly come and go, this reporter is releasing his projections for the starting lineup this season. This projection is based on some common sense, some of what has been witnessed in practices -- ie, who's been playing with the ones and twos -- and some guesswork. There are a few guys that aren't currently slotted atop the depth chart, but figure to see some extensive playing time. This could be either they're young and coaches want to see them in action, or they are playing behind some young guys who could struggle. But ultimately, this is the squad that I think will be most effective and will yield the best results.
The defensive starters are mostly new to the team this year, but two of the three starting cornerbacks are return starters from a season ago.
CB1 Akasi Owusu-Ansah: 6'1" and 205 pounds is a 28-year old with 94 SPD, 61 STR, 93 AWR, 94 AGI, 98 ACC, 90 JMP, 67 CTH and 66 TAK.
CB2 Aaron Williams: 6'1" and 192 pounds and 28 years old. 94 SPD, 42 STR, 95 AWR, 94 AGI, 92 ACC, 84 JMP, 63 CTH and 69 TAK.
NCB (and mentor) Derek Cox: 6'1" and 190 pounds and 30 years old. 93 SPD, 59 STR, 98 AWR, 92 AGI, 94 ACC, 70 CTH, 89 JMP, and 63 TAK
FS Morgan Burnett: 6'1", 200 pounds and 29 years old. 87 SPD, 74 STR, 91 AWR, 90 AGI, 92 ACC, 58 CTH, 81 JMP, and 75 TAK.
SS Duke Williams: 6'1", 200 pounds, and 26 years old. 90 SPD, 57 STR, 92 AGI, 92 ACC, 61 CTH, 89 JMP and 70 TAK.
ROLB Von Miller: 6'2", 240 pounds and 28 years old. 87 SPD, 82 STR, 85 AWR, 88 AGI, 90 ACC, and 85 TAK.
MLB1 Nico Johnson: 6'2", 248 pounds, 27 years old. 90 SPD, 76 STR, 80 AWR, 85 AGI, 90 ACC, 90 TAK.
MLB2: Michael Mauti: 6'2", 243 lbs, 27 years old. 81 SPD, 85 STR, 77 AWR, 84 AGI, 88 ACC, 90 TAK.
LOLB: Miles Burris: 6'2", 246 lbs, 27 years old. 83 SPD, 80 STR, 65 AWR, 84 AGI, 86 ACC, and 85 TAK.
RE Barkevious Mingo: 6'5", 238 lbs, and 28 years old. 81 SPD, 81 STR, 68 AWR, 84 AGI, 86 ACC, and 67 TAK.
DT1 Ego Ferguson: 6'4", 309 lbs, 25 years old. 64 SPD, 87 STR, 62 AWR, 84 AGI, 85 ACC, 86 TAK.
DT2 Ndamukong Suh: 6'4", 305 lbs, 29 years old. 63 SPD, 88 STR, 89 AWR, 73 AGI, 77 ACC, 85 TAK.
LE Matthew Judon: 6'3", 261 lbs, 25 years old. 84 SPD, 65 STR, 63 AWR, 79 AGI, 88 ACC, 75 TAK.
Fringe starting guys that are expected to see some extended playing time:
-- Jeremiah Attaochu a young and promising linebacker will look to see the field at any linebacker spot. His versatility and athleticism will make it hard to keep him off the field, but for now it looks like he will be second string at both outside linebacker spot, and a potential guy to plug in for some of their more exotic defensive looks.
-- Jason Worilds is an experienced edge rusher with 50 career sacks that will be ready when his name is called. Both guys in the starting rotation have some shortcomings (strength for Judon and tackling for Mingo, who is also a little on the lighter side).
-- DT Carlos Watkins, the rookie has quietly emerged as a guy to get some playing time, with Morgan being on the trade block and being bigger and more athletic than him. With the team likely to be in formation with fewer down linemen, he might not get the chances, but he's ready if his name is called.
Assessment:
The defensive backs are strongest position group on the roster. They're tall, athletic and smart. And all still have multiple years of quality play left in them. Whether they can be a cohesive unit will be their biggest question, but coaches are excited about the potential and the leadership qualities these guys all possess. And with second year CB Brandon Williams being mentored, it figured to be a deep group for years to come.
The linebacking corps is my favorite group because of the uniqueness they present. Texans GM is oft-quoted for his admiration --- obsession, even -- for linebackers. Miller and Johnson figure to be the key to the success of the defense. Johnson will have to be the captain the team needs, and Miller will need to be the playmaker he's capable of, whether that's getting pressure on the quarterback or forcing turnovers.
The defensive line is a question mark. Ferguson and Judon are still quite young, but have produced in their time on the field. Mingo had a pretty decent season a year ago, registering eight sacks and a fumble return touchdown. Suh has had good years, but not great. But if he can draw some double teams and help on the run game, it will be a successful year in the eyes of coaches.
The offensive side of the ball figures to have more growing pains. Matt Ryan is a great quarterback, but the offensive line is a wild card. Some young guys with great potential, a couple veterans who can get the job done but lack the awareness one would like to see for someone at their stage in their career, and a clear starting quality center (or two).
LT Garrett Scott: 6'5", 294 lbs, 26 years old. 66 SPD, 96 STR, 68 AWR, 72 AGI, 77 ACC, 91 PBK and 91 RBK.
LG Phil Loadholt: 6'8", 343 lbs, 31 years old. 58 SPD, 95 STR, 76 AWR, 64 AGI, 70 ACC, 97 PBK, 98 RBK.
C Leroy Harris: 6'3", 303 lbs, 31 years old. 59 SPD, 88 STR, 90 AWR, 66 AGI, 68 ACC, 97 PBK, and 93 RBK
RG Senio Kelemete: 6'4", 307 lbs, 28 years old. 62 SPD, 95 STR, 70 AWR, 74 AGI, 79 ACC, 91 PBK, 91 RBK.
RT Jah Reid: 6'7", 326 lbs, 28 years old. 67 SPD, 99 STR, 70 AWR, 74 AGI, 76 ACC, 93 PBK, 93 RBK.
TE Bradie Ewing: 6', 245 lbs, 28 years old. 89 SPD, 81 STR, 78 AWR, 86 AGI, 93 ACC, 75 CTH, 62 RBK.
FB Quinn Johnson: 6'1", 262 lbs, 30 years old. 80 SPD, 80 STR, 89 AWR, 80 AGI, 81 ACC, 65 CAR, 74 RBK.
HB Jonathan Stewart: 5'10", 235 lbs, 29 years old. 94 SPD, 77 STR, 80 AWR, 88 AGI, 93 ACC, 90 CAR, 96 BTK.
QB Matt Ryan: 6'4", 228 lbs, 31 years old. 96 AWR, 58 AGI, 60 ACC, 90 THP, 96 THA.
WR1 Adam Thielen: 6'2", 200 lbs, 27 years old. 98 SPD, 48 STR, 60 AWR, 97 AGI, 97 ACC, 87 CTH, 91 JMP.
WR2/3 Jason Hill: 6'1", 210 lbs, 31 years old. 94 SPD, 30 STR, 78 AWR, 88 AGI, 95 ACC, 94 CTH.
WR2/3 DeAndre Smelter: 6'2", 227 lbs, 25 years old. 92 SPD, 62 STR, 53 AWR, 92 AGI, 94 ACC, 86 CTH, 87 JMP, 74 BTK.
KR/PR Stedman Bailey: 5'10", 193 lbs, 27 years old. 94 SPD, 71 STR, 61 AWR, 99 AGI 98 ACC, 76 CTH, 99 JMP, 92 KR.
Assessment:
There are a few questions with this side of the ball. Can the young tackles, with their lack of awareness, keep Matt Ryan upright? Can Thielen thrive being the #1 receiving option now that Conley is gone? Which receiver is going to solidify themselves as the second wide out and who will assert themselves as the slot?
It feels like there will be some shuffling of these guys throughout the season. We expect that five of them will be fighting for playing time. Thielen has never had more than 900 yards in a season, nor has he had more than five touchdowns. Hill hasn't had 1000 yards or more than five touchdowns since 2013. Regardless of who ultimately earns the playing time, the passing game is dependent on the play of the offensive line.
The two starting tackles gave up only six sacks combined last season, so the team is hopeful that they can maintain or improve those numbers. Loadholt and Kelemete only gave up one combined. Harris and Fry, their two centers, also only gave up three combined sacks. It will be interesting to see if the camaraderie will develop, and the chemistry is strong enough to not only allow Ryan to throw the rock, but also allow Stewart and Prosise to hit the gaps and get down field. Even though Harris is starting, the Texans have a former pro-bowler in Dustin Fry right behind him should something happen. Likewise at the guard position, Will Rackley will be ready to step onto the field should the need arise. He's only given up one sack in his four year career, albeit in limited action. |
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Forum Discussion
(by B_Lindgren on 10/31/2023)
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Replies - 0 :: Views - 9 |
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Texans Preseason Update |
Since the draft has come and gone, teams around the SFL have begun training camp in preparation for the 2017 season. Thirty-one teams are building rosters to try to unseat the defending champions, the Tennessee Titans. A lot of teams have made significant moves to make their squads better. The Cowboys have been the most active team on the trade market to make themselves a contender. The Seahawks who were runner-up last season appear ready to defend their NFC title. In the Titans own division, the Colts bring in a dynamite draft class along with three poached players from the defending champs, hoping to dethrone them by year's end.
Also in the AFC South is the Texans, who also hope they have made the right moves to compete in the division. Coming off a 6-10 season -- one in which they were 1-6 in one score games -- the team believes they've made the right choices building a sustainable winning team. This off-season has seen the new management team bring in seven new starters on defense alone, headlined by CB Akasi Owusu-Ansah, OLB Von Miller, MLB Nico Johnson and DT Ndamukong Suh.
Prior to the preseason beginning, Houston added a couple of pieces to round out their roster. Via free agency, they added:
-- C Dustin Fry: 88 STR, 89 AWR, 65 AGI, 89 PBK and 90 RBK
Via a trade with the Dallas Cowboys, Houston acquired second year running back CJ Prosise. Drafted in the second round a season ago, Prosise was put on the trade block after their acquisition of Eddie Lacy. And with Texans HB Jonathan Stewart nearing regression, the team thought it might be the time to pull the trigger and find his eventual replacement. The 6' 220 pound back has a lot of potential, and will bring in a fresh set of legs when JStew needs a break.
-- HB CJ Prosise: 94 SPD, 73 STR, 58 AWR, 92 AGI, 92 ACC, 75 CAR and 80 BTK.
The team sent a second round pick in exchange for Prosise. With his addition, the team seems set and ready to roll for the season after the team made the tough financial decision to cut K Nate Kaeding and HB Toby Gerhart. Being that the roster is now set, coaches have designated the following three players for training camp, and also appear set for their mentor/mentee relationship.
Training camp consists of QB DeShone Kizer, LT Will Holden and CB Brandon Williams.
Their stats post camp look like this:
-- QB Kizer: 63 AWR, 65 AGI, 57 ACC, 91 THP and 84 THA
-- LT Will Holden: 92 STR, 71 AWR, 67 AGI, 84 PBK and 83 RBK
-- CB Brandon Williams: 96 SPD, 59 AWR, 96 AGI, 99 ACC and 70 TAK.
In addition to training camp, rumors are circulating around the organization that Williams will be mentored this year under the tutelage of CB Derek Cox. There was question whether he or Kizer would be the one being mentored this season, and if this turns out to be true, it would likely indicate that Kizer is not expected to be the long term solution, and that the team will look to find Ryan's eventual successor in next year's draft.
Whilst training camp is underway, the team also announced that SS Duke Williams was working with a personal speed coach to boost his speed. Given his new contract and being only 26 years old, it is no surprise that the team would further invest in him. He is one of three strong safeties in the league at least 6'1, 90 SPD, 79 AWR, 90 AGI and 90 ACC. The others being the Chiefs Sabby Piscatelli and the Cardinals Sam Proctor. Williams is also the youngest of those three. |
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Forum Discussion
(by B_Lindgren on 10/30/2023)
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Replies - 0 :: Views - 9 |
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Texans Draft -- Day Two |
The Texans have completed their draft class for 2017. It is not one headlined by big names or flashy players. As constructed, coaches believe the team is ready to compete as they stand. And while there is still plenty of off-season to go, it is not expected that the team will make too many moves before the season begins. With their five picks today, they selected mostly based on depth needs, especially in the trenches, as the team added two defensive lineman, two offensive lineman, and one wide receiver to add to QB DeShone Kizer added on day one.
4.29 -- DT Carlos Watkins from Clemson. He stands 6'3" and 305lbs. 92 STR, 55 AWR, 73 AGI, 77 ACC and 77 TAK. While not expected to see the field much, he does provide another big body to fill in behind Ndamukong Suh and Ego Ferguson, and could be gap filler when the team moves into 4-3 formation.
5.22 -- WR ArDarius Stewart is a 6' pass catcher from Alabama. Though some will knock his height, management and coaches don't feel it is a deal breaker. He is the 7th receiver on the roster, so he might not get a shot unless injuries pile up, or the team moves on from guys ahead of him on the depth chart. Right now he's only at 91 SPD, but through boosts and progression, he could be in the mid-90s to pair with his 95 AGI and 96 ACC.
5.29 -- LT Will Holden from Vanderbilt. This behemoth stand 6'7 and 330lbs. Like Stewart, he's more of a project and not likely to see the field, barring some bad circumstances. He comes into camp with 92, STR, 70 AWR, 65 AGI, 84 PBK, and 81 RBK.
6.10 -- DT Vincent Taylor, 6'2 and 310 pound from Oklahoma State. This is a classic move from Brandon, loading up to excess at certain positions. But with the team actively shopping DT Derrick Morgan, it might be the right choice for the team. 92 STR, 57 AWR, 75 AGI, 74 ACC and 73 TAK.
6.15 -- C JJ Dielman from Utah. Prior to the writing of this article, it was announced that Dielman would not be on the roster. Some around the team expected him to remain on the team in order to be roster compliant, but his private workout was very underwhelming, and management feels there are better options in free agency. His physical attributes were fairly acceptable -- 6'5, 309lbs, 92 STR, 68 AGI, 72 ACC. It was his 70 AWR paired with his atrocious blocking (61 PBK and 78 RBK) that compelled the team to go in another direction. |
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Forum Discussion
(by B_Lindgren on 10/22/2023)
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Replies - 0 :: Views - 13 |
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Texans Draft -- Day One |
Houston entered the draft weekend armed with seven picks, and a roster that management thought was nearly complete and ready to compete. So it should come as a surprise to no one that they made a couple of trades to move back to acquire more draft capital both this year and next. Texans' GM noted that with where their first pick in the draft was, it was unlikely that they would see any of their top targets fall to them. And they did note there would be some good value later on, with guys who can contribute down the road.
With 2.20, and a 2018 Houston seventh round pick, the Texans sent the pick to the San Diego Chargers for Jacksonville's 2018 second rounder, San Diego's 2018 fourth rounder and pick 7.21 in 2017.
Later, they made yet another trade with Tampa Bay, sending 4.3 and San Diego's 2018 seventh round pick for Tampa Bay's 2018 third round pick and 7.16 this year. This means they'll have two seconds, two thirds and two fourths next year, although one second round pick will be sent to New England as compensation for DE Barkevious Mingo.
In the third round, Houston made its only selection of the draft thus far, tacking QB DeShone Kizer out of Notre Dame. The 6'2 210 pound QB will definitely be a project for coach Jim Johnson and QB Matt Ryan. The team was impressed with Kizer after his private workout, where he improved on some of his combine numbers. He did notably see a decrease in his strength, by three points. His awareness increases by one and his agility increases by two points. Kizer is a different kind of quarterback than Ryan is, so it will be interesting to see if or how the offense changes if he gets some playing time. His final line after a workout looks like: 74 SPD, 62 STR, 62 AWR, 65 AGI, 57 ACC, 91 THP and 82 THA.
On day two, look for Houston to fill some roster needs as well as try to earn this year's draft gem. They have a fourth, two fifths, a sixth and two sevenths tomorrow. |
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Forum Discussion
(by B_Lindgren on 10/21/2023)
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Replies - 0 :: Views - 15 |
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At A Glance
| INJURY REPORT |
| PLAYER |
POS |
OVR |
LENGTH |
| AFC South |
| RNK |
TEAM |
W-L-T |
PCT |
DIV |
| #4 |
 y-Titans |
11-5-0 |
0.688 |
6-0 |
| #7 |
 x-Colts |
8-8-0 |
0.500 |
4-2 |
| #16 |
 Texans |
8-8-0 |
0.500 |
1-5 |
| #26 |
 Jaguars |
6-10-0 |
0.375 |
1-5 |
| TEXANS SCHEDULE |
| Preseason |
| WK |
DATE |
OPPONENT |
SCOUT/RESULT |
| P1 |
Sat |
vs  Bears #2 |
Match-up |
| P2 |
Sat |
at  Cardinals #22 |
Match-up |
| P3 |
Sat |
vs  Cowboys #15 |
Match-up |
| P4 |
Thu |
at  Buccaneers #8 |
Match-up |
| Regular Season |
| 1 |
Sun |
vs  Chiefs #29 |
|
| 2 |
Sun |
at  Panthers #19 |
|
| 3 |
Sun |
vs Colts #7 |
|
| 4 |
Sun |
at  Falcons #21 |
|
| 5 |
Sun |
vs  Dolphins #10 |
|
| 6 |
Sun |
at Jaguars #26 |
|
| 7 |
Sun |
vs Titans #4 |
|
| 8 |
Sun |
at  Chargers #28 |
|
| 9 |
Sun |
at  Raiders #17 |
|
| 11 |
Sun |
vs  Saints #31 |
|
| 12 |
Sun |
at  Browns #14 |
|
| 13 |
Sun |
at Titans #4 |
|
| 14 |
Sun |
vs Buccaneers #8 |
|
| 15 |
Thu |
vs  Broncos #3 |
|
| 16 |
Sun |
at Colts #7 |
|
| 17 |
Sun |
vs Jaguars #26 |
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